After Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) won the state's governorship last week, Perino said it was an example of a moderate Democrat winning in a time where more progressive Democrats tend to be favored.

Caldwell said it will be "very difficult" to find such candidates that can stage successful 2018 bids because the "Bernie Sanders wing" of the party is so heavily favored by millennials and others.

However, Jessica Tarlov said Republicans have serious ground to make up in generic-ballot polls to return below the eight-point spread she said characterizes a "wave election."

Broadcasting live from the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md. Wednesday, Sean Hannity blasted the media for continuing to criticize President Trump while ignoring his accomplishments.